soar, ambiguous, harness, hastily, exploit: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 10. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. soar · verb/sɔr/

   to fly or rise high in the air with little effort

   The birds soar high in the sky as they search for food.

   Synonyms: fly, ascend, rise

   Origin: Middle English soren, from Old French sorer, from Latin surgere meaning 'to rise'

2. ambiguous · adjective/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/

   having more than one meaning or interpretation

   The teacher gave an ambiguous answer to the student's question, leaving everyone confused.

   Synonyms: unclear, vague, indistinct

   Origin: from Latin 'ambiguus', meaning 'uncertain or wavering'

3. harness · noun/ˈhɑrnəs/

   a set of straps used to control an animal or secure a person

   The farmer put the harness on the horse to pull the cart.

   Synonyms: straps

   Origin: The word 'harness' comes from the Old French 'harneis', which means 'equipment' or 'gear'.

4. hastily · adverb/ˈheɪstɪli/

   with excessive speed or urgency

   She packed her bag hastily before the train arrived.

   Synonyms: quickly, rapidly, speedily

   Origin: from Middle English hasty, from Old French hastif, based on haste

5. exploit · verb/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/

   to make full use of and benefit from something

   We can exploit the sunlight to make our house warmer in the winter.

   Synonyms: use, harness

   Origin: from Middle English 'exploiter', from Old French 'exploiter', from Latin 'exploitat-', meaning 'to fold out'.